Solved: Furnace Is Leaking Water and 8 Other Furnace Problems

Whether it’s a leaky furnace or if you flick the switch to start your heating system in the fall and it won’t start, common furnace problems can affect your home at any moment.

Regardless of the issue, understanding how your heating system works and a little bit about some common furnace problems is crucial in deciding whether you can troubleshoot on your own or if you need professional assistance. By observing the furnace's behavior, listening for unusual noises and checking for signs of damage or blockage, you can narrow down the possible causes.

If you're not sure about the problem or aren't equipped with the necessary skills and tools, it's best to call an experienced HVAC company like Ameri-Tec. We can accurately identify the issue and execute the required repairs or maintenance, so we can get your furnace working again ASAP.

Here's more about what causes a furnace to leak water and eight other common heating problems:

1. Your Furnace Leaks Water

A furnace can leak water for several reasons. One possibility is a condensate leak, where the water produced during the combustion process is not completely draining away. This could be due to a plugged condensate drain line or a failing condensate pump. Another likely cause of water leakage from a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can lead to water—as well as dangerous gases—escaping from the furnace.

It is necessary to address water leaks immediately to prevent further damage to your furnace. Contacting a professional HVAC technician like the crew at Ameri-Tec is recommended to diagnose and resolve the issue properly.

2. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air/Not Blowing Hot Air

Some possible causes for a furnace blowing cold air or not blowing hot air could be a malfunctioning thermostat, a problem with the pilot light or ignition system, a blocked air filter, or a malfunctioning heating element. It also may be your furnace is overheating and shutting off as a safety mechanism.

If your furnace does not blow hot air, it's best to contact a skilled HVAC specialist to diagnose and fix the problem. They can give an accurate assessment and suggest the proper solution.

3. My Furnace Struggles to Keep Up

A frequent reason your furnace isn’t keeping up on a cold day is that your home doesn’t have enough insulation, which can cause heat loss and decreased efficiency. Another reason your furnace is struggling is because it’s not big enough for your home, so it can’t make enough heat to adequately warm the space. A broken thermostat or ductwork problems can also produce uneven heating.

To deal with this, first check your home’s insulation level and make sure it’s enough to insulate your home. Also, look at the thermostat to see if it’s set right and the batteries aren’t dead.

If the problem lingers, consider consulting with an experienced HVAC company, such as Ameri-Tec, who can assess your system, determine the root cause and provide solutions such as furnace replacement, repairing ductwork or changing your thermostat settings.

4. My Furnace Is Not Working

If your furnace is not working, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot before contacting a pro. Make sure the thermostat is set properly and the batteries are fresh. If the furnace still doesn't power on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure power is reaching the unit.

If there is power but no heat, the problem may be with the ignition system or gas supply. In that case, it's a good idea to contact an experienced HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. My Furnace Turns On and Off

If your furnace is short cycling, it means it is turning on and off often at short intervals as opposed to running in regular cycles like it should. This can cause inefficiency, more energy use and potential damage to your unit.

If you think your furnace is short cycling, the first step is to check your unit’s air filter. Filters should be exchanged when they are dirty to ensure air flow, so if your furnace air filter is dirty you should exchange it for a clean one—and be sure it is pointing in the right direction. Second, go to your thermostat and look to see if  it’s set right and the batteries are good.

If those two things don’t work, it’s smart to call experts like the crew at Ameri-Tec. Quick professional attention will help restore the proper functioning of your furnace and prevent further complications and high energy bills.

6. My Furnace Won't Stop Humming

When your furnace is making a humming noise, it often is a sign of a malfunction with the electrical components or the blower motor. For this reason, if you notice your furnace making a humming noise, it is important to take action.

If the noise persists, it is best to  get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.

7. My Furnace Makes Loud Noises

If your furnace is making a consistent loud noise, it's important to deal with the issue quickly to prevent further damage or potential safety risks.  One common problem that causes this is a failing blower motor or fan, which can create a grinding or screeching sound. Another potential cause is a loose or worn-out belt that may produce a squealing or rattling noise.

Due to the complexity of furnace systems and potential risks involved, it's best to contact a heating and cooling specialist.

8. My Furnace Won't Start

If your furnace refuses to turn on, make sure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature, is in heating mode and the batteries are working. Then, check if the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace is functioning properly. If these basic checks don't fix the problem, you can inspect the furnace's power switch or emergency shutoff switch to make sure they're in the "on" position and weren’t accidentally turned off.

If those steps don’t do the job, phone a heating specialist for furnace repair.

9. My Furnace Is on but Not Igniting

Like a a furnace not turning on at all, a furnace that isn’t igniting can be caused by a dirty air filter or a tripped circuit breaker. So, checking out the air filter and looking over your circuit breakers are a good place to start.

Other common causes of a furnace not igniting include a faulty igniter or malfunctioning flame sensor. Symptoms of these include the furnace continually making an attempt to ignite without success, an absence of heat production or the furnace is making a burning or gas smell. Both of these issues can be easily repaired by HVAC professionals like the team at Ameri-Tec.